My friend Chris Reid is a black guy and a self-defined redneck. All of my other black friends say that it is impossible for a black to be a redneck simply because he isn't white. Chris rides horses, goes to rodeos, listens to country music and other redneck associated activities. So, is it possible for a black person to be a redneck?

The redneck stereotype:
The term redneck is seen by some people to be both racist and classist, as it is was originally used to describe a person of pale skin that has been sunburned doing outdoor work or field work, and disproportionately applies to the poor. Today, a redneck is a stereotypical southern United States socially conservative, fiscally liberal, rural, working class white person with northern European ancestry. Redneck refers to a stereotype of usually rural, Caucasian (i.e. white) people of lower socio-economic status in the United States and Canada. Originally limited to the Appalachians, and later the South, the Ozarks, the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, this stereotype is now widespread throughout North America.

He may want to fit in with his white friends. Sometime people with say things to feel they belong to a group. Whites do it with their black friends and apparently their are some blacks that do it also. I find it insulting because I don't want my friends feeling they must be like me to be accepted by me.

You can try it and see. Tell him he does not have to say he is a redneck to fit in and be your friend. You accept him just as he is. You both have shared interest and you appreciate him just as he is. See if he will stop calling himself a redneck. Call it an experiment.

I am not in any way, shape or form a redneck. We are in the Army, and ever since I have known him he has been a self-proclaimed redneck. He ropes cattle and goes to rodeos. The term "redneck" started just as you noted earlier, but terminology evolves. Now, in modern times, it is a reference to a certain lifestyle and behavior pattern. Chris is a redneck. I don't know why that seems insulting to anyone. I could never be one because my proclivities won't allow it. Chris is a good guy, and he does not change who he is for anyone. In fact, I have told him several times to chill the fuck out with the hee-haw shit. I think if you met the person I am referring to you would change your mind.

I am not calling you a redneck. Roping Cattle and going to rodeos would be more like a cowboy than a redneck. All terminology do not evolve. I don't think meeting him will change my mind. Racial terms do not evolve to become anything other than racial slurs. Racial slurs are insult to racial groups, not behavior.

I don't think Chris sees it as a racial slur, but more of a celebration of his chosen lifestyle. I don't think that the term "redneck" really has a lot of racial conontation to it anymore; unless it is used to inaccurately describe a white person. I guess we can agree to disagree on this matter. Thank you for you input and prompt responses.

Personally, I don't believe many whites have ever saw it as a racial slur. Only when they want to accuse blacks and other minorities of being racist, and then it is coming from a racist. It has been interesting.